Holiday Concerts Feature MCS Student Performances

From Thanksgiving through December, Miami Christian students showcased their musical talents with several choral and band concerts while also volunteering time for community service activities.

The concert season began with a high school chorus presentation, followed by performances by the symphonic and jazz bands directed by Derek Shute. The season concluded with an elementary musical drama, “The Late Great Potentate,” directed by Diana Cummings. Taking the starring role in that production was MCS senior thespian, Alexandra Rios, who sang and acted with the elementary school drama cast.

MCS senior Lizette Vinas had a leading role in a group of special performances presented by the Maria Verdeja School of Arts. Lizette, who played the Mayor of Whoville in the musical, “A Whoville Christmas”, received rave reviews. The group performed for both Dade County Public Schools System and the City of Coral Gables’ annual tree lighting ceremony.

MCS students continue activity in charitable causes, including a gift drive for their friends in India at Sunil’s Home Orphanage. This year, a collection of boxes with new underwear varieties was donated by the students for Christmas. While children here might think otherwise, the children at Sunil’s Home treasure practical items they receive as gifts. The boxed garments will be delivered by a team of friends from Coral Gables who have scheduled a visit to Sunil’s Home in January, expecting to bring back letters and garden updates for their pen pals at Miami Christian School.

Recently, Miami Christian has been the recipient of a number of grants from foundations and local funders including The Chatlos Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Coral Gables and the National Christian Foundation South Florida. Miami Christian appreciates it many corporate and foundation partners who contribute to a variety of programs at the School helping them offer their students cutting edge technology and programs.

The performing arts continues to be an area where students at Miami Christian excel. Roberto Barrueco received recognition in the University of Miami honor band this year and Barbara Del Valle achieved status in the All State High School Honor Band which will perform in Tampa at the All State 2012 FMEA convention.

The first Admission Open House of 2012 will be held Thursday, Jan. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. Tel. Gladys Mata at 305.221.7754 x771 in the admissions department for an appointment and personal tour.